Taiwan’s Orienteering Team Shines at 2024 Asian Championships

Lyon Chiang, New York

The 2024 Asian Orienteering Championships and Asian Junior & Youth Orienteering Championships concluded in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Taiwan’s national team delivering commendable performances across various events.

In the Girls’ 16 Middle Distance, 16-year-old Yang Lin-Yan (楊琳晏) secured a bronze medal, marking Taiwan’s first podium finish in this year’s championships. Her consistent performance allowed her to surpass a Chinese competitor by eight seconds, earning her the third-place spot. In the Girls’ 18 Middle Distance, Hung Ya-Lin (洪雅琳) achieved a sixth-place finish, demonstrating the team’s competitive edge in the youth categories.

The Middle Distance Relay events further showcased Taiwan’s talent. The Girls’ 20 team, comprising Liang Yu-Chi (梁宇琪), Wu Chia-Yun (吳佳芸), and Chung Shu-Yu (鍾舒宇) from the Girls’ 16 group, secured a fifth-place finish. Similarly, the Boys’ 18 Relay and Girls’ Elite Relay teams both achieved fifth-place standings, while the Boys’ Elite Relay team finished in sixth place. 

Overall, Taiwan’s delegation, consisting of 23 athletes, ranked fifth among nine participating nations. The team focused on the middle distance and relay events, areas where they anticipated strong performances, and their strategic emphasis yielded positive results.

The championships were dominated by strong contingents from Japan, China, and Hong Kong, particularly in the sprint events. Taiwan’s ability to secure medals in this competitive environment is a testament to the athletes’ dedication and the effectiveness of their training programs.

Head coach Chen Chun-Min (陳俊民) noted the significant improvements in the skill levels of competing nations and emphasized the importance of gaining experience through international competitions to further enhance Taiwan’s orienteering capabilities.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony and banquet at the athlete village, celebrating the achievements of all participants. Taiwan’s team returned home with valuable experience and a renewed commitment to elevating their performance in future international competitions.

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